Matt Nagy clearly had a mission this offseason to overhaul his offensive staff. One guy he had to have was John DeFilippo. That was apparent when the Chicago Bears promoted Dave Ragone to passing game coordinator just so he’d vacate the quarterback coaching job. DeFilippo has a strong reputation in league circles for getting results at that position. He knows the type of offense Nagy wants to run. It was a natural fit.
One reason he’s been successful? DeFilippo is extremely detailed and isn’t afraid to coach hard when he feels it’s necessary. This is probably why there are strong indications Nagy will leave both Mitch Trubisky and Nick Foles in his hands without too much interference throughout training camp.
The coach had a chance to open up about what he has plans for the two QBs. With no preseason games to help with evaluations, DeFilippo quickly realized that every throw in training camp is going to matter. That is why his grading scale will be unforgiving.
“I’ve got an idea of what I’m going to do to take it one step further than a normal practice that I’ve graded when we have an established starter,” DeFilippo said. “We’re going to take it to the next level a little bit in terms of accuracy, in terms of timing, decision making. We’re going to not just grade whether the ball was completed or not. We’re going to try to divulge into, OK, who’s the more accurate guy, who threw it on time, maybe who was the more mobile guy, who got us the first down with his feet? Little things that you have to make sure of for both guys.”
John DeFilippo is looking for somebody to grab the job
Based on his words, it’s clear DeFilippo won’t be coddling either guy. He can’t afford to. The regular season is approaching fast. Time to prepare to low. He has to do everything in his power to determine which quarterback is the best possible choice for the Chicago Bears. Who will give them the best chance to win football games?
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Some might call his methods nitpicky. In truth, it’s a game of inches. That is the popular slogan. Quarterbacks know this well. A half-inch can often separate a 30-yard completion for a TD or a tipped pass for an interception. Trubisky and his accuracy roller coaster won’t be tolerated anymore. Foles won’t be able to use no minicamps or OTAs as an excuse.
As Yoda put it? “Do or do not. There is no try.”